Comment Re:3 points (Score 1) 674
I have to agree.The most impressive thing I ever heard in my entire life was in 1988. A set of K-horns at a very very high-end audio place (that sold mainly pianos, and very high end audio gear). They had them in a listening room with two huge monoblock amps, and a very high end preamp and CD player. They played Phil Collins, "I wish it would rain down". I swear to god it sounded like he was standing RIGHT THERE singing. The two guys that were with me still, to this day, agree that was the most impressive thing we've ever heard audio-equipment-wise. This place also sold magnaplanars and Ohm, Paradigm, B&O etc. Sadly this place finally went out of business last year... Sad indeed. People just dont care for quality like they used to. Give me my old Klipsch over most of the new junk at chain stores anyday.
To the other points - figure the inflation adjusted cost of some of the "mid range" gear from the 70's and 80's, and you can still get good gear for THAT price. Its just that people dont want to pay $2K for a set of speakers anymore. They want to pay $500 for an entire home theater (7.1) setup. Heck, my old Infinity's cost over $1K a pair in 1989 and they are definitely just mid-range for that time. (Although, with new surrounds last year they are still really kickin...)